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http://www.sadaft.com . She signed six models, four of them from abroad, footing the bill for their airfare to Tehran. She could have used local models, she said, but their figures weren't up to "international standards."
She and her boyfriend combed the city and worked contacts for weeks in search of a venue that would agree to lend them a space for such a controversial event. Five days before the show, a friend of a friend agreed to rent them this basement for $1,000. They signed a document promising that all women would abide by Islamic dress codes.
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AS the mistress of ceremonies steps forward in a sequined sleeveless black gown to open the show, it is clear that this promise, at least, will be violated.
Maysam, a 23-year-old makeup artist, dabs the models' cheeks as he sends them off onto the catwalk.
"You're very good," he tells the first young woman. "You're very pretty. The outfit looks great on you. Now, stand up straight! Stick your chest out!"
The deejay spins blaring house music. "Feeling hypnotized," the song goes, "nowhere to run."
Cameras flash, briefly blanching the faces of entranced viewers seated on folding chairs in the darkened room. The models walk, pause, twirl and pose. Their defiant pouts take on an elevated significance in Iran, where the men and women could be arrested, jailed or even whipped for being here.
Sadaf's designs draw from a kaleidoscopic palette of colors and sensibilities. They include billowy trousers, exposed midriff tops, improbably short minis***ts and see-through blouses. All-white satin gowns highlighted by golden accessories suggest upscale wedding outfits. Silver-chain belts accentuate silk black evening gowns, the neckline swooping down to the navel. Plain but elegant form-fitting chocolate-brown and blue-gray suits elevate business attire to sensual haute couture. A tiny red belt and flower lapel highlight a turquoise s***t-and-jacket combination.
She and her boyfriend combed the city and worked contacts for weeks in search of a venue that would agree to lend them a space for such a controversial event. Five days before the show, a friend of a friend agreed to rent them this basement for $1,000. They signed a document promising that all women would abide by Islamic dress codes.
*
AS the mistress of ceremonies steps forward in a sequined sleeveless black gown to open the show, it is clear that this promise, at least, will be violated.
Maysam, a 23-year-old makeup artist, dabs the models' cheeks as he sends them off onto the catwalk.
"You're very good," he tells the first young woman. "You're very pretty. The outfit looks great on you. Now, stand up straight! Stick your chest out!"
The deejay spins blaring house music. "Feeling hypnotized," the song goes, "nowhere to run."
Cameras flash, briefly blanching the faces of entranced viewers seated on folding chairs in the darkened room. The models walk, pause, twirl and pose. Their defiant pouts take on an elevated significance in Iran, where the men and women could be arrested, jailed or even whipped for being here.
Sadaf's designs draw from a kaleidoscopic palette of colors and sensibilities. They include billowy trousers, exposed midriff tops, improbably short minis***ts and see-through blouses. All-white satin gowns highlighted by golden accessories suggest upscale wedding outfits. Silver-chain belts accentuate silk black evening gowns, the neckline swooping down to the navel. Plain but elegant form-fitting chocolate-brown and blue-gray suits elevate business attire to sensual haute couture. A tiny red belt and flower lapel highlight a turquoise s***t-and-jacket combination.
Leigha
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